Transport
Find information and resources for sustainable transport in Australia.
Transport is one of the main contributors to global warming with about 16 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions come from transport. A litre of petrol produces about 2.5kg of greenhouse gases while motor vehicles produce much of Australia's air pollution, including about 90 per cent of Australia's carbon monoxide emissions.
Cars and planes are the two big culprits, with rise in popularity of large gas-guzzling 4WD cars a factor in recent years.
There is also the human toll of our love of cars - every year in Australia around 1,600 people die in traffic accidents.
Even if you can't give up your car entirely, there are many ways to reduce your fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Try commuting to work by bus or train, or car-pooling with a neighbour or colleague.
For local trips try using a bike or walking and trying to combine a number of errands into one trip. Talk to your school about organising a walking school bus scheme to walk kids to school, or car-pool with other parents.
You can also cut your greenhouse gas emissions by up to a third by learning fuel-efficient driving - reducing speeds, removing roofracks and unnecessary luggage, anticipating traffic flow to avoid stopping and starting, keeping tyres properly inflated and having the car regularly serviced. (See US site Hypermiling for more tips.)
Air travel is even worse for the environment. To reduce flights, do business by email, teleconferencing and phone, and take holidays closer to home.